REVIEW: The best yet most affordable network switch (TPLink WR902AC)

[audiobomber]

just a note on folks saying that the Tplink is not accessible via tplinkwifi.net when in client mode. You can't access it in client mode. In client mode it gets it's own IP address from the wifi host. So if your network is say 10.0.1.x/24 (which I have), then the tplink would get an ip from that network in client mode. The url tplinkwifi.net is hardcoded to 192.168.0.1 which is only accessible in router mode. To get to Tplink in client mode, look at the IP address assigned by your wifi host/router and then directly access it from the browser using the same IP address.

I agree with all the above, but there is a slight wrinkle. When I call up the static address from the Google browser in my Samsung Android phone, the WR902 refuses to connect (403 Forbidden). This is unlike my five other TP-Link devices. I am only able to access the assigned IP via Chrome, in my phone or PC, or PC/Edge.

All my TP-Link device are operable using the Tether app, but the WR902 does not show at all in the app. This is not just down to client mode, because I run the RE450 in client mode.

 

[NaimYourTubes]

That's interesting. Based on the recommendation of a previous poster I ordered a USB cable also from Amazon. I don't think it's beefier but it's supposed to be copper with gold(!) plated contacts. It's being delivered tomorrow and I'll report back.

My Ugreen 300w Nexode GAN USB-C power supply came with a shielded USB-C cable and it's been the best of all I have on-hand right now. Not sure that's a helpful data point.

I have been experimenting with the different power modes of the TL-WR3602BE. I started with ECO and the unit still ran warm and latency in Roon user interface was acceptable, but higher than normal. "Balanced" mode sees the unit running slightly cooler, UI latency is reduced to nearly hard-wired levels, and the sound has further opened up, yet also with added body and speed. Subtle SQ improvements.... letting it play to see if they are stable, or transitory.

EDIT: steady state CPU usage during streaming, as a % of total, has also dropped from ~30% to ~12% when I moved from ECO to Balanced.

 

[keithc]

My Ugreen 300w Nexode GAN USB-C power supply came with a shielded USB-C cable and it's been the best of all I have on-hand right now. Not sure that's a helpful data point.

I have been experimenting with the different power modes of the TL-WR3602BE. I started with ECO and the unit still ran warm and latency in Roon user interface was acceptable, but higher than normal. "Balanced" mode sees the unit running slightly cooler, UI latency is reduced to nearly hard-wired levels, and the sound has further opened up, yet also with added body and speed. Subtle SQ improvements.... letting it play to see if they are stable, or transitory.

Super helpful, thank you. I set up the WR3602BE last night and on ECO mode had significant lag w/ Roon. I was surprised on 2.4GHz the overall speed when directly cabled to my laptop on Speedtest.net was not any better than my WR902AC (37.91Mbps vs 30.62MBps; in comparison the laptop's wifi was 253.35MBps). Initial sound impression was mixed but I was wondering about my USBA->C cable, so maybe I'll try the Ugreen instead!

 

[NaimYourTubes]

Super helpful, thank you. I set up the WR3602BE last night and on ECO mode had significant lag w/ Roon. I was surprised on 2.4GHz the overall speed when directly cabled to my laptop on Speedtest.net was not any better than my WR902AC (37.91Mbps vs 30.62MBps; in comparison the laptop's wifi was 253.35MBps). Initial sound impression was mixed but I was wondering about my USBA->C cable, so maybe I'll try the Ugreen instead!

I'm also on 5Ghz, I should note. My Netgear ORBI RBK753 mesh has been terrible for any streaming on the 2.4 side of the mesh network since a firmware update in 2023. So, this peculiarity of my WiFi forces me to use 5Ghz as the 2.4 band is just awful. Mayhaps Netgear over-optimized 2.4 for IoT? Who knows. I can't rollback, so I've been stuck with it.

I highly doubt I am achieving the same levels of SQ as folks on the 902 hardware. Just doing the best I can.

 

[matthias]

The WR902AC setup EASILY takes the throne in the microdetails department. In the opening minute for Diana Krall's Live in Paris "A Case Of You" (Qobuz) it was as a microphone is now picking up every pedal rub, creak of her seat, cough from the audience many rows away, and the nuances in her exhalations behind decaying notes. I never knew there was a subtle knocking during the opening of "The Look Of Love" (from Diana's hand or foot tapping?).

FWIW, I listened to both tracks with my iPhone 12 mini running iOS 26.2 with Spotify Lossless and wired Apple HPs.
The iPhone is connected via wifi to my ISP router and set to a manual IP address.
With this set-up I can easily pick up these details and nuances in the microdetails department as well.

 

[Billgates307]

Have you tried AudioQuest cables yet? Have there been any improvements? I'm also very interested in their cables. Does anyone have any other brand recommendations?

Hey @shaylin,
Yes, it’s audible. Not a big difference but worth it.

 

[tony22]

I have been experimenting with the different power modes of the TL-WR3602BE.

Naim, do you have a settings list yet for the 3602?

 

[NaimYourTubes]

Naim, do you have a settings list yet for the 3602?

I've not compiled a full list, but can share what I have changed and not changed in the standard TP Link UI so far:

* I opted out of the data sharing
* Network -> LAN -> Flow Controller (RX & TX = Enabled)
* Network -> DHCP Server = Auto
* USB -> Storage Device -> Disabled all radio buttons (including Secure Sharing & Media Sharing)
* LED Control -> LED Status = OFF
* Action Switch -> LED On/Off
* ECO Mode -> Balance Mode
* Operation mode -> AP/RE/Client Mode

I'm finding that the 2.5gbps LAN/WAN port sounds slightly better than the 1gbps. BUT, my Roon Nucleus Titan has a native 2.5gbps NIC, so its preference for that may be unique compared to a natively 1gbps NIC.

 

[Devg]

I'm also on 5Ghz, I should note. My Netgear ORBI RBK753 mesh has been terrible for any streaming on the 2.4 side of the mesh network since a firmware update in 2023. So, this peculiarity of my WiFi forces me to use 5Ghz as the 2.4 band is just awful. Mayhaps Netgear over-optimized 2.4 for IoT? Who knows. I can't rollback, so I've been stuck with it.

I am on even older rbr50. I agree their performance is horrible and I am only using it as an AP. I think it slowly degraded with every firmware updates. Looking at your post it makes me wonder if they do it on purpose to force customer to upgrade to their latest model...but come next yr, I am thinking of upgrading to a Tplink Deco mess

 

[NaimYourTubes]

I am on even older rbr50. I agree their performance is horrible and I am only using it as an AP. I think it slowly degraded with every firmware updates. Looking at your post it makes me wonder if they do it on purpose to force customer to upgrade to their latest model...but come next yr, I am thinking of upgrading to a Tplink Deco mess

YES!!! Every firmware I allowed to be installed resulted in either an additional performance degradation or a reduction in stability. Sometimes both.

I have the Firewalla Gold Plus and am very pleased with it. I will likely move to their AP-7 access points (in a mesh configuration) in the near future.

Netgear also disabled the link aggregation feature when in AP mode, where I -COULD- LA two 1gbps ports With my Firewalla Gold Plus. But, as of the same firmware update in 2023 (IIRC), they disabled this functionality. BUT, if you want to use their main base station as a router, then you can link aggregate all day long.

 

[Windows X]

Today I tested client mode with OpenWRT firmware using 3dBm which transmit power at 1mW only. TP-Link's lowest setting is 10dBm with 10mW transmit power so OpenWRT will make the most quiet and low noise WiFi.



I wonder if this speed is enough for most streaming needs in this market. Should I raise from 3dBm to 6-8dBm for more speed?